Business briefs

Sunday

After several months of work followed by approval from regulatory agencies, Citizens Bank of Kansas announced its merger with Verus Bank was completed Jan. 2.

Verus Bank customers will see very little change in routine banking operations, officials stated in a news release.

“We have retained all Verus employees to facilitate a familiar transition for existing customers, and all Verus branches will become part of CBK,” said Citizens Bank Board Chairperson Jane Deterding. “The combined entity will offer 10 full-time branches in six counties: Sedgwick, Butler, Cowley, Reno, Kingman, and Barber. Combined assets will total over $377 million.”

The merger agreement was signed in September 2018. Both banks are family-run community banks with long histories in Kansas banking.

But the parallels don’t stop there, Deterding said. About five years ago, the ownership of CBK, led by Deterding and CEO Mark Keeny determined acquisition was an ideal way to increase the bank’s customer base. At the same time, the ownership of Verus Bank, led by Kevin Chase as CEO/Chairman, sought to grow the value of their bank to see if that led to acquisition or merger.

“Ultimately, we wanted to be a part of a bigger organization to serve our customers better,” Chase stated. “Citizens Bank of Kansas offers the kind of banking culture we want for our customers and our employees.”

CBK has banking facilities throughout south-central Kansas and has a strong tradition of community service. Learn more at www.citizensbankofkansas.com.

NFPA, State Farm open applications for Wildfire Community Preparedness Day grants

Reducing fuel for fires around vulnerable homes, meeting and talking with firefighters about community preparedness plans, and helping seniors with home improvement projects to resist embers are among projects targeted during the sixth annual national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, set for May 4.

State Farm is providing funding to NFPA for the Preparedness Day event and a portion will be awarded to 150 neighborhood wildfire risk reduction projects being implemented on that day.

Preparedness Day gives people of all ages a chance to plan and participate in a risk reduction or wildfire preparedness activity that makes their community a safer place to live.

During Preparedness Day 2018, more than 500 projects were undertaken in 32 states and the District of Columbia, including150 State Farm helped fund.

According to reports, on average, wildfires burn twice as much land area each year as they did 40 years ago, and the threat continues to increase.

In 2018, California saw its deadliest and most destructive fire, the Camp Fire, burn more than 150,000 acres and claim the lives of 85 people. Wildfires once described by “seasons” are now burning earlier and later in the year across the U.S.

Project applications can be submitted through March 1. Apply for an award at https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Campaigns/National-Wildfire-Community-Preparedness-Day/Apply-for-an-award.

Grant program announces funding available for new community pools

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce announced its Community Development Block Grant Program now enables communities to apply for funding that can be used to construct a swimming pool.

There are many benefits for a community to consider constructing an outdoor city swimming pool – both for lifestyle and health benefits. Swimming pools offer a means of social interaction, relaxation and stress relief. They give an opportunity for residents to participate in aerobic, yet low-impact exercise. Finally, ADA-approved pool helps people in the community who have special needs.

To be eligible, the proposed facility must include a single pool of water with no elaborate extras, such as lazy rivers, slides or splash parks.

The pool can include a maximum of two diving boards. Facilities may be designed to allow for extra features in the future but cannot be part of the application.

For a community to be eligible, it must have a population of 500 to 25,000. The maximum grant amount is $1 million. The application deadline is May 15. A city must meet low- to moderate-income population requirements and a 40 percent local funding match.

For more details and to download the grant application, visit KansasCommerce.gov/cdbg.

Questions should be directed to Linda Hunsicker, CDBG Specialist, at (785) 215-4484 or Linda.hunsicker@ks.gov.

Kitchens beat-out cabinetmakers and designers throughout Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Arkansas, in the Wood-Mode 75th Anniversary Design Awards, with a pool house project located in Larned belonging to Shari and Carlton Bert.

Judging criteria was based on lifestyle, creativity and use of space.

“It was truly an honor to receive the top honor in such a competitive territory,” said Scott Bogner, President of Kitchens Inc.

This project was a true custom-design, meeting the customers preference of transitional styled cabinetry complemented with rustic detail, all in a condensed space.

The “Poolside Retreat” featured an amenity-filled kitchenette utilizing a counter-top off a 140-year-old historic tree from the Fort Riley Military Base Cemetery that was struck by lightning, a guest bathroom and hide-away bed, bringing style and function to a small space.

“This took a fair amount of ingenuity, engineering and craftsmanship from our Kitchens team, led by designer Carson Robinson, and superior products from Wood-Mode to make this project a reality,” said Bogner.

Bogner accepted the award at a product showcase event, Sept. 17 and 18, at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Kitchens winning design will be featured in a Wood-Mode commemorative picture book coming out this Fall. For more about this project go to www.kitchensincdc.com.

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